Psychology programs in Iowa have a history that dates back over a century. Today its doctoral programs are well-poised to move the state into the 21st century in this important field, offering students a range of competitive PhD programs taught by award-winning faculty. Students can also find a variety of options to fund their education, which include scholarships, fellowships, grants, and teaching assistant opportunities.

Iowa State University

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology

Welcoming students from all backgrounds, the Department of Psychology offers a full psychology program that starts at the undergraduate level and culminates with students’ choice of three doctoral areas in this field. The department’s counseling psychology PhD program counts many accolades, including a number-one national rating by Academy Analytics, leading national ratings for productivity in LGBT scholarships, and a staff that are among the top contributors in the nation to the Journal of Counseling Psychology.

Counseling Psychology PHD

Students with a bachelor’s degree complete a minimum of five years in this program – four years for students with a master’s degree – which include a one-year internship, doctoral dissertation, and four semesters of practica. Students begin the program with core courses and seminars, followed by instruction in research methodologies and data analysis. At this point students take an assessment examination, and upon successful completion they move on to their counseling practica and internship. Most students earn their degree in six years and become licensed to practice psychology in the state.

Accreditation

The counseling psychology PhD program has been accredited by the APA’s Commission on Accreditation (CoA) since 1973, and by the National Register/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (NR/ASPPB) since 1981.

University of Iowa

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Part of the University of Iowa’s largest college which was established in 1900, this department is leading psychology into the 21st century in both the classroom and laboratory settings. The doctoral programs in psychology offered through this department focus on student preparation for research, scholarly endeavors, and teaching. The clinical psychology program is ranked in the top-20 programs of its kind nationally by US News and World Report.

Clinical Psychology PHD

The doctoral program in clinical psychology prepares graduates to work in academia, industry, government, or medical institutions with the clinical-science model of training. This program emphasizes a scientific approach to understanding the influence of psychology on human health, behavior, and relationships. 75 percent of students earn their degree in six to seven years, completing core coursework, clinical training, and a year-long internship. More than half of all graduates in the past decade transitioned to careers in academia, and 60 percent of all graduates chose to become professionally licensed.

College of Education, Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations

This department specifically explores the relationship between psychology and the quantitative foundations of education, and focuses on providing a high quality graduate education. The counseling psychology PhD program and educational psychology PhD program are each taught by five professors and one assistant professor.

School Psychology PHD

This program begins by instructing students in four main subjects: scientific psychology, theoretical-methodological foundations of practice, psychological assessments, measurements, and interventions, and finally research methods and applications. Students then move on to complete a pre-practicum, beginning practicum of 150 hours, advanced practicum of 750 hours, and an internship that lasts at least one year. Most students earn their degree within five to six years, and 45 percent of the graduates over the past decade chose to become professionally licensed after graduation.

Counseling Psychology PHD

Based on a scientist-practitioner model, this program prepares students to be counseling psychologists who promote their science and contribute to the advancement of their profession. This program totals at least 111 semester credits plus an additional 12-15 dissertation credits. Along the way to graduation students complete multiple practica as well as a one-year internship. Before they can begin their internship, students must finish most of their outstanding coursework.

Accreditation

The clinical psychology PhD program is accredited by the APA’s Commission on Accreditation (CoA), the National Register/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (NR/ASPPB), and by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). It is also a charter member of the Academy for Psychological Clinical Science (APCS).

Both PhD programs through the Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations are accredited by the APA’s Commission on Accreditation (CoA) and the National Register/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (NR/ASPPB).

Enrollment in doctoral psychology programs continues to climb throughout Iowa, a reflection of the quality of its educational programs as well as the opportunities that come from having an advanced terminal degree in this field. Graduates can pursue careers in fields as diverse as academia, school counseling, professional practice, industry consulting, government work, and jobs with research companies once they have earned their degree.